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Ba an > NAR ~ TN f f Page 4--PORT PERRY STAR HISTORICAL and MEMORIAL EDITION "The Star" "Tthe Star" as told by Mr. Farmer in a March 1928 paper. When the "Star" fell into our hands its light had been con- siderably dimmed, and it was a question whether it was going to putter out altogether. We had not more than 800 bonafide sub- scribers, and the advertising was sold at next to nothing an inch and collection of the next-to-nothing was not a simple matter. Then the main idea was to fill up the paper with anything that would occupy space, and what is known as "boiler plate", (aready made sterotype news) was freely used. All kinds of organizations were using the paper for propaganda. It was issued at a'time that suited the publisher's convenience, and apparently no great effort was made to get the paper out on time. From a mechanical point of view the plant had little to build on. It was of the same character as the wardrobe of the man who went to have his suit pressed and had to stand in a barrel while the job was being done. There was not enough type to do a job of any size, and the presses were wonderful chiefly for the fact that they had served so many years. The old plant has all been scrapped; it has been sold for junk, or has been melted up and made into new type. We have not a single piece of old machinery left and none of the small type only a few fonts of the best wooden letters, Today we have an un usually well equipped country office. Perhaps the most wonder- ful of our machines is the linotype. It is very nearly human in its capacity to set and distribute type. It saves oceans of time and many weary eyes and much backache. The chief concern is to make the paper of local interest and to be of service to the community. We cannot afford to hire a staff of reportrers to gather news and put it in acceptable form. The reporting end of the newspaper work taxes our ability very frequently. We hear a rumour, after talking to several persons it is not always possible to get an accurate story and the whole thing may have to be dropped. The Star can always go into any home and be read by any member without hurting the tone of the home. It has been our business to encourage every good thing for our people and we can say that in the twenty years that this paper has been under our management not an unfair word has been said of anyone. The result is natural. Our circulation has grown and is assured. Because this is a local paper we do not attempt to print world news in any thorough-going fashion. 'We are not in com- petition with the dailies. We are gratified with the work of our corps of news gatherers. They are turning out good stuff. Our present staff of writers is excellent. . We could not ask for better. * * * * (And may we add that in 1957 the abgve reflects our senti- ments and our problems very accurately.) Letters from Friends and Former Citizens Carrol, Man., August 15th, 1957. The Port Perry Star, Dear Sir: . Born in Port Perry in 1876 my memory goes back to 'The Standard" and "The Observer", the two strong political news- papers of Port Perry and 1 must say the change to "The Star" shows the improvements of the time by not being politically biased. It is fifty years since I left Scugog to come and live in Manitoba and your weekly paper has kept me in touch with the town and district news, so that when I visit Port Perry I always feel very . much at home among the many dear frends . My visit this year in June has given me very delightful memories and with very great pleasure I extend to ou my Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary accompanied by Best Wishes. Yours truly, Mabel Turner. (Mabel Ham of Scugog) CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PORT PERRY STAR CO. LTD. Port Perry has held an important place in the way of life, in the country and town alike, being situated on Lake Scugog it has held attraction as a sports area--the field of education has been promoted to a high level through the schools, which have been, and are continuing to be maintained--the spiritual life has been advanced through every religious denomination bringing comfort and joy to their members--there is a complete shopping centre within the town. The fiftieth anniversary of the Port Perry Star, the tradi- tional press which was founded fifty years ago by the late Mr. Samuel Farmer, and is being carried on by his family at this time--Ilinks together the memories of passing years. My sincere congratulations to the Port Perry Star Co. Ltd, and may your pages of reviewing town and country life serve the community for years to come. (Mrs.) J. S. MacFarlane. 65 St. Redempteur St., Hull, P.Q, August 28, 1957. Port Perry Star Co. Ltd. I would like to offer my congratulations to you on the 50th anniversary of ownership and direction by Mr. Samuel Farmer and his family. I knew both Mr, and Mrs. Farmer when they lived in Toronto previous to moving to Port Perry and always admired their ar- tistic and literary tastes and busines initiative. ~ I have kept in touch with the family since they moved to Port Perry and-was particularly sorry to learn of Mr. Farmer's death some ten years ago and Mrs. Farmer's death only a few years ago. Through their combined efforts they have left an in- delible mark on the history of Port Perry and the surrounding country. It was very much to Mr. Farmer's credit that he left the Star in good financial condition and that it continues to carry along in the family tradition. Please accept my best wishes for the continued success of the Star and those connected with it. Cordially yours, Carrol N, Simpson, Vice President and General Manager, Gatineau Power Company, SAMUEL FARMER (Continued from page 1) He always tried to write constructively. He knew that destructive + criticism left worse troubles in its wake than if it had never been given. If he could point out the faults in a piece of legislation and suggest something better he felt that as editor of a paper he must do so. If he could not suggest something better to put in place of the effort he saw being made he kept quiet or suggested that a committee be formed to try and investi- gate the matter and see what could be done to improve the situation. After his death in 1948 the family have combined forces to carry on the business. of Weston, as president, We are now a limited liability company with Mr. John Farmer, Mr. Archie Farmer, Port Perry, vice-president; Marian Boyd (neé Farmer) and I, A. Boyd are all serving directly in the business as administrators. Anne Boyd (neé Farmer) and Mr, M. M. Boyd, of Ottawa, serve indirectly writing editorials and doing outside ad- ministrative work. The business has grown slowly but steadily over the years. Nothing spectacular has taken place but each year sees some new gain. The circulation of the paper has increased from 800 in 1907 to 1200 in 1957. The job work covers a very wide area and includes work from cities such as Toronto and Ottawa. concern to us. and cheese for his family and potatoe the early days. J The local rural area has always been of great At one time the editor used to trade butter paper for butter s as payment did not come amiss in Life to-day has changed but we hope to carry on with the growing healthful interest in our community and the world at large. Our best wishes go to you our friends in this town and in the district surrounding it who have helped by your co-operation to make the Port Perry Star a successful business enterprise. Yours sincerely, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS NEWS ITEMS of PAST 50 YEARS (continued from page 3) The Year 1913 Council--Jas. Lucas, H. Carmichel, Jas. Forman, S. Graham. JAN.,--Clarence Cook is prepared to sharpen skates, having puchased Mr. Dorman Corbman's outfit. -- W. J. Collins, Taxidermist. -- Mr. Edwin Hartry has rented his market garden to Mr. Wm. Ettey, who came from Yorkshire, Eng. -- Mr. Hartry joins the Bell Telephone. -- The radial line from Toronto via Markham, Stouff- ville, Uxbridge to Port Perry is re- ceiving strong encouragement. -- By- law to prevent cows running loose on '| the streets was well supported. FEB.--A vote is to be taken re finan- cial assistance for starting a canning factory: 108 voted for the by-law, 8 opposed. -- C. M. Harrington, form- erly of Greenbank, occupies prominent position in Moose Jaw, Deputy Regis- -| trar and Deputy Clerk of Court. -- Canadian Bank of Commerce, J. Me- Murray, Manager. MARCH--The Canning Factory peo- ple have bought the Curling. rink. -- Tordiff Bros. Furniture Store at Brooklin burned down. -- Dr. C. W. Moon of Seagrave has sold his vet- erinary business to Dr. Ernest Wool- dridge. -- Ford garage opened in Swan's carriage shop. Percy Gra- ham prop. : APRIL--Mr. Art Dowson will give up the blacksmithing and devote his time to his livery business. -- The Agric. Soc. have taken an option on the skating rink. If purchased it will be used to construct bldgs. on Fair grounds. -- Jim Johnson, Scugog In- dian guide is dead. Hundreds of Tor- ontonians knew him as the greatest guide of the whole Iroquois valley.-- Mr. Jas. Carnegie has purchased the workshop and lot next the bowling green from Mr. A. Campbell and in- tends to make a new brick dwelling on same. JUNE -- Wm. Mills planing factory burned down. -- D. Corbman announ- ces sale of fruit and vegetables iin season, -- Independant telephone line erected from Port to Greenbank. AUG.--Mr. Robinson has retired from the firm of Turner and Robinson but Mr. J. Turner will continue in the coal business. NOV.--Mr. Geo. Davey has sold his business to Mr. H. A. Sydie. DEC.--Jas., Leask & Sons -have for the 4th time carried off the Grand Championship honors for the best steer at the Toronto Fat Stock Show. --The band to be re-organized. The Year 1914 Reeve--Geo. Gerow. Council--Jas. Forman, Jas. Lucas, A. J. Carnegie, F. W. McIntyre. JAN.--Queen Esther to be presented by Port Perry choral group, 3 nights by urgent request. -- Mr, C. Switzer to move into the Allin Blacksmith shop, owned by J. Britton. Mr. P. Graham has purchased Mr. Switzers former building and will make-it into an up-to-date garage. FEB. -- 856 below temperature and earthquakes. Not severe, MARCH--Council approve application for Carnegie Library to build a free Public Library. Sum for purchase of site not to exceed $6500. and annual grant not to exceed $1000. APRIL Mechanics are busy install ing the Post Office Clock, -- W. H. Letcher haa sold furniture and under- taking business to Merlin Letcher. MAY--Horse killed at Raglan cross- ing. Geo. Nesbitt has narrow escape. JUNE--OId Boys and Girls welcomed back to Port Perry for Re-union, -- Mrs. Switzer has sold her interest to Mrs. Cook of Stouffville, in the moving picture show that comes to Port Perry.--Mr. Chas. Call- acutt purchased the grocery business of the late William Tummunds.--Wednesday after- noon to be half-holiday in Port Perry. --Ed. Young, cartage (successor to T. Corrin). AUGUST--Port Perry men enlist for miltary service overseas. -- Miss Es- telle Bull, organist of Bloomfield, has accepted the position in the Methodist Church and will take pupils in voice and piano. -- S. Ont. W. I. ask for support of A.C.W.C. hospital ship.-- Philip Polito, fruit dealer, opens in Diesfield Block. prin. SEPT.=S. Jeffery & Son have an or- der for 100 sets of harness to be ready in 2 weeks for Government. -- Mr. Jas. McKee has sold Sebert House Hotel to Mr. H. A. Sydie who has sold to Mr. Fred Carr. -- Dorothy DeVon- da, balloonist ascends at P. P. Fair. OCT.--Much talk-about a hydro-elec- tris radial Line to Port from Toronto. --Big majority vote for Hydro-elec- tric by-law. -- More boys join up. NOV.--Mr. L. G. Hall has bought the butcher business of W. A. Boyce, -- Carpet Ball League formed among lo- cal lodges. g DEC.--Skating at rink back of Post Office. : z + The Year 1915 Reeve--Geo. Gerow (accl.). Council--Hugh Carmichael, F. W. McIntyre, J. L. Forman, Jas. Lucas. JAN. -- F. C. Collacutt, West End Grocery. -- Chas. M. Dean, pumps.-- M. Maude, coal dealer. FEB.--Mr. Hugh Lucas appointed in- spector of harness for Dominion Gov- ernment. Mr. Lucas goes to Berlin, Ont. where he will supervise some 360 men. -- Percy Graham of Gra- ham's Garage died. MARCH -- OAC reports 1914 as the driest year on record." From harvest 1913 to harvest 1914 precipitation was 53%" below normal. -- Ford, agency given to Wm. Graham and W. U. Car- negie. The Ford garage will now he Graham and Carnegie. -- Trent canal to be opened in spring from Trenton to Peterboro, is now open from Lake Simcoe to Healey Falls, the total length of the canal is about 200 miles of which only about 20 are actual can- al.--Wm. Brock of Brock's store died. APRIL -- Sarvis Brothers have pur- chased the Ingram Bakery & Confec- tionary. -- E. H, Purdy appointed po- lice magistrate, -- S. Klebanoff of Toronto has leased a store in the Blong Block and will sell men's clothing, boots and shoes. MAY -- 8S. E. VanCamp, Overland dealer, -- Mr. W. H. McCaw has sold his Jewellery and Stationery business to Mr. Robertson of Whitby. -- Maude & Mills, coal dealers. -- Pte. Edward Gray killed in action (of Scugog).-- Dr. J. Beldon Lundy hag taken over the dental practice of Dr. R. I. Gra- ham. ! JUNE -- Port Perry Citizens have raised over $7,000 for the patriotic fund. $5,000 asked. -- Dr. W. A, Sangster appointed ag dental surgeon to overseas forces, JULY -- Catholic Church struck by lightning, fire destroys the steeple. $200 damage to interior of church, -- tracks near Manchester, -- W. G, Mo- net has sold his grocery, ete. business to Mr, J. F. McClintock. -- Howard White, son of Mrs. White, has received a Victoria Cross for bravery. Major Edwards, son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Carnegie cited for bravery. AUGUST--Dr. E. A. Totten will con- tinue the dental practice of Dr. Sang- ster, -- Cartwright Twp. raised $4,200 for patriotic fufid.-- M. T. & E. Beare Chev. dealers, building garage on Queen St. SEPT. -- Port Perry Wharf is now completed and is a most creditable piece of work. Mr. C. L. Vickery has supervised the work, OCT.--Disney Bros. furniture, funeral directors. -- L. Stein & Co: will start Gent's furnishing store in Leonard Blk. NOV.--Morley Campbell, real estate. The Year 1916 JAN.--Local Option carried in: Port and Uxbridge. -- W. J. Jackson, Scu- gog Reeve named Warden. -- H, H, Stone has bought the men's clothing, boots and shoes of H. Doubt. -- J. Cowie, our popular band leader, has been appointed leader of the new Muskoka Battalion Band. MARCH--H. G. Whiteway Ltd. (the Overland car). MAY--Pte. Edw. Hooey killed in ac- tion. APRIL--Jas, L. Forman dies (T. C. Forman & Son). FEB.--Cawker Bros. Butchers. MAY--W. 8S. Short, successor to T. C. Forman & Son, L JUNE--Howard White killed in action JULY--Mr, Jos. Stone has purchased the furnishing of the Sebert house and rented the business. He intends to open July 20... ' AUG.--$800. to be spent on Scugog 'bridge'. -- We don't seem to be mak- ing much headway with Radial Rail- ways. OCT. -- Delco Light business (C. V. Edmunds). -- Jas. Lucas has sold his seed business to Hogg & Lytle, Ltd.-- I. R. Bentley, will open jewellery business next to Byers drug store. DEC. -- Carnegie Bros. Hardware caught' fire and was badly damaged. --W. E. Yarnold died (surveyor), -- Library moved to ground floor of old Post Office. The Year 1917 JAN.--Jos. Bigelow died in 89th year. Prominent business man was reeve many times. -- New Parish House, Church of Ascension, dedicated. -- Names listed on honour roll who, gave life. for country, Pte. Lester Leask of Seagrave;. Pte. Issac Taylor, Scugog; Pte. Fred Eldridge, Seagrave; Pte. R. Wilson, Sonya; Pte. H. Clarke, Scu- gog; Pte, H. Kiddle, Sonya; Pte. Geo. Fines, Scugog; Pte. E. Gray, Scugog. --W. U. Carnegie, Ford dealer. FEB.--Lack of fuel may close light plant. -- Mr. Albert Roberts has pur- chased the Port Perry moving picture theatre from Mr, Quinn, MARCH--Lieut. E, D, Wallace killed flying. -- Mr. Roberts has made the promised improvements in the Royal theatre, inc. lengthening the hall, APRIL--Brock Bros. & Co., Grocery, Drygoods, MAY-=Bruce Ferguson, son of R. J. and Mrs, Ferguson, killed in action.-- W. U. & H. Carnegie (Fords). --W. Letcher has bought furniture & un- Cloudburst causes washout under|dertaking business of Disney Bros.-- and now the automatic press. grocery business here. GEORGE R. DAVEY It gives me a great deal of pleasure to take time in these busy days to offer congratulations to the Farmer family and to help in a small way to celebrate with them the Fiftieth Anniversary of the publishing of the Port Perry Star. : As I look back over the years recollections come to mind of the days when we set the entire Port Perry Star by hand when the gasoline engine failed to start; treddled off 1000 or more sheets of butterpaper by foot. Then came the hydro power, "a wonderful convenience" we thought. The linotype was another great advance With all these changes I must not forget how Mr. Farmer work- ed and contrived to make the Port Perry Star a better paper year by year in the face of many difficulties. The Port Perry Star was part of his life. Progress has been the theme of this business. " George R. Davey . The directors of the Port Perry Star are Nappy to have this comment by Mr. Davey. Mr. Davey has been a very reliable em- ployee of this company since 1914. Previous to that he was in the In all the years Mr. Davey has managed to find the time to make a considerable contribution to our community 'lif served on the School Board and > the Council; A in) He hes member of and secretary for the Masonic Lodge for many years. He was also very active in the Sons of England Lodge here for some 25 years and a member of the Citizens Band for a long time. Mr. Archie McDermott who has work- ed with Disney Bros. is going to Tor- onto. -- J.-D. Robertson, jeweller, has made an assignment to W. H. McCaw. JUNE--Sgt. Wm. Andrus won Dis- tinguishéd Conduct Medal. -- Pte. J. Kimbling killéd in action. -- Shops close part time owing to scarcity of help. -- Mr. A. C. Taylor of the 'Cor- ner Store', P. P. hag bought the gro- cery business of F. C. Collacutt. This stock will be moved to the Rose & Co. premises, for quick sale. JULY--The Farmer's Union Milling Co. of Port Perry to buy out The Car- negie Milling Co. -- Pte. Wm. Bel- knap, Prince Albert, reported missing. AUG. -- Pte. Wm. Midgely reported dead, formerly missing. : SEPT.--A young aviator heading for Toronto from Camp Borden lost his way and came down in a field just north of the village. of town folk flocked out to see the bought the insuranee business of Pearse and Ward. Office on John, re's advertise formal showing of Fall fashions and band concert, OCTOBER -- Mr. H. W. Linke has been 25 years with the Bell Telephone, mostly in Uxbridge and Port. Port has now 660 subscribers. -- Pte Roy C. Sweetman, Scugog, killed in action --Pte. Ran Switzer awarded Military Medal. -- $4,000 raised for Red Cross and other patriotic uses, -- Aura Lee Store moved to new location. DECEMBER -- Pte. Howard Grant Williams, Myrtle, killed in action, -- A. J. & D. Carnegie are selling the jewellery stock of J. D. Robertson as- signed. to W. H. McCaw. - Business is bought by James McKee of Scugog. The Year 1918 Reeve--S. Jeffery. ' JAN.--Lt.-Col. 8am Sharpe awarded D.S.0. -- Brigadier General James MacBrien made Companion of the Or- der of St. Michael and St. George. -- Two cars derailed in front of station. --The 'storm, biggest blockade on record, 7 trains held up at Burketon, Mr. McPhail had 150 people to feed and at Myrtle Mr, Williams had 70 people to feed. There is said to be 12ft. of snow on the Port-Lindsay line in the Large numbers | machine. -- Mr. Harold Emmerson has ' north of Catholic Church. -- MecInty-' McConnell cut, The mail came pholiah Wii by stage. -- leut. H. F. Ireland re killed. Ti prs FEB. -- Flt. Lieut. George Howsam won Military Cross. -- All places of business ordered closed Sat., Sun. & Mon., even if they burn weod. Gro- cers, butcher and bakers may remain open till noon Sat. -- A. F. Carnegle takes Overland Dealership. -- Lieut. Camp awarded M. C. : MARCH--Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Cutts invite Port people to see their pic- tures before they go to the Royal Academy in Toronto. -- All boys be- tween thirteen and nineteen to regis- ter for farm labour. -- W, R. Murray, local dealer for Gray Dort cars opens on Queen. -- Lieut. Clarence Vickery badly gassed. -- Lieut. Frank Spence seriously wounded. -- Jas. Ward, or- gans, pianos, gramophones, : APRIL--W. U. Carnegie erected new Ford garage' at réar of Bank of Com- merce, -- Mr. A. Goode has opened the Port Perry Creamery, a fine new building, JUNE--Fire broke out in the base- ment of 8. Jeffrey & Son harness shop. Most of the damage ($8,000) by water. -- A. J. Carnegie to be manager of Farmer's Union Milling Co. -- Col. Sam Sharpe, jumps from hospital window in Montreal. He commanded the 116th at Vimy, -- D, - Corbman opens grocery department, has also phonographs and records. JULY--J. W. Platten, Port boy hon oured. Long list of corporations nd fans. has served as director, most recent International Merchantile Marine Co., 5. New York, A AUGUST -- Mr. Ralph Fitchett of Manchester hag bought the Cawker Bros. butcher business. SEPT.--Lieut, Arthur Doubt, killed In action. -- Sgt. Gordon Wesley Hood, Scugog, killed in action. ¥ OCT--Pte. Amos Stone killed in ac- tion, -- Dr. J. D, Berry is leavin Port Perry. -- Pte Arthur Clarkelff- killed in action: -- Churches close as precaution against "Spanish" flu, -- Sam Graham giving up caretaking of Post Office. -- Schools and lodges are also closed because of Flu, but no serious cases reported here and no deaths in spite of rumour. (continued on page 5)